Following the success of Richard Linklater's first two films of the franchise (weird to associate the word 'franchise' with such an indie film I know) 'Before Sunrise' (1995) and 'Before...moreSunset' (2004) we find ourselves once again thrust into the chaotic and charismatic world of Jesse and Celine in 'Before Midnight' (2013). Nearly two decades later and what's changed? Apart from the fact that Jesse has left his previous partner and created a new family - complete with two gorgeous twins - with Celine, absolutely nothing. As in the other films, they talk, muse over, argue and display an effervescent spark that not many other relationships know - credit due to the wonderful Hawke & Delpy - and that's about it.\\r\\\r\This formula has worked in the last two films, but for some reason, falls flat in this third (and hopefully final) film in this love epic. There are some wonderful scenes, so simple yet so eloquently portrayed (one of my favourites follows the car scene after Jesse says goodbye to his son) but, unlike in the film's predecessors, I found my attention wavering during yet another one of their indulgent and laborious discussion. 'That's what they do!' I hear you say, 'They talk and talk and talk, and that's what makes their relationship so fantastic!' and fantastic it is, but the bright spark between them seems to have dulled this time round. Perhaps this is too harsh a criticism, for the film is wonderfully made, with everything appearing so brilliantly candid that your almost forget you're watching a film.\\r\\\r\And yet. I was underwhelmed. Good, but not brilliant, this film offers much to the viewer. But somehow, it didn't quite knock the ball out of the park. Not this time anyway.

Following the success of Richard Linklater's first two films of the franchise (weird to associate the word 'franchise' with such an indie film I know) 'Before Sunrise' (1995) and 'Before Sunset' (2004) we find ourselves once again thrust into the chaotic and charismatic world of Jesse and Celine in 'Before Midnight' (2013). Nearly two decades later and what's changed? Apart from the fact that Jesse has left his previous partner and created a new family - complete with two gorgeous twins - with Celine, absolutely nothing. As in the other films, they talk, muse over, argue and display an effervescent spark that not many other relationships know - credit due to the wonderful Hawke & Delpy - and that's about it.\\r\\n\\r\\nThis formula has worked in the last two films, but for some reason, falls flat in this third (and hopefully final) film in this love epic. There are some wonderful scenes, so simple yet so eloquently portrayed (one of my favourites follows the car scene after Jesse says goodbye to his son) but, unlike in the film's predecessors, I found my attention wavering during yet another one of their indulgent and laborious discussion. 'That's what they do!' I hear you say, 'They talk and talk and talk, and that's what makes their relationship so fantastic!' and fantastic it is, but the bright spark between them seems to have dulled this time round. Perhaps this is too harsh a criticism, for the film is wonderfully made, with everything appearing so brilliantly candid that your almost forget you're watching a film.\\r\\n\\r\\nAnd yet. I was underwhelmed. Good, but not brilliant, this film offers much to the viewer. But somehow, it didn't quite knock the ball out of the park. Not this time anyway.

My favourite Linklater. All too often directors fawn over the beauty and richness of youth, when in fact it’s only when the orange peel starts kicking in that people become...moreinteresting, with layers and layers that have built up over time, creating fascinating creatures. This film follows Jesse and Celin, who were previously lovers being pulled to each other from across Europe in the twenties, and talking a LOT about their insecurities, passions and motivations. What really raises Before Midnight above all his other films, is that it takes some welcome detours into the lives of other characters - here expertly done around a dinner table - while also going to darker depths and focusing more on age and the second half of life, that inching closer to death… I really hope Linklater follows Julie and Celine in another film.

My favourite Linklater. All too often directors fawn over the beauty and richness of youth, when in fact it’s only when the orange peel starts kicking in that people become interesting, with layers and layers that have built up over time, creating fascinating creatures. This film follows Jesse and Celin, who were previously lovers being pulled to each other from across Europe in the twenties, and talking a LOT about their insecurities, passions and motivations. What really raises Before Midnight above all his other films, is that it takes some welcome detours into the lives of other characters - here expertly done around a dinner table - while also going to darker depths and focusing more on age and the second half of life, that inching closer to death… I really hope Linklater follows Julie and Celine in another film.